EXPLORING MYSTERIES OF BIODIVERSITY

Catalog description

(Slashed with BSCI 40356 and BSCI 50356 ) This course explores modern issues and mysteries surrounding the study of biodiversity using a conservation-based framework. Among course topics are characterizing biodiversity, searching for new and missing species, hidden/cryptic species, studying secretive species, management of endangered species, species reintroductions, Lazarus ecology (i.e., rediscovering species presumed extinct), resurrection ecology (i.e., bringing back ancient species), effects of human conflict on biodiversity and cryptozoology. Major issues, methodology (techniques/approaches) and ethics are explored across all course topics and include discussion of ecological, evolutionary, behavioral, genetic and reproductive aspects.